Domestic abuse and sexual violence

Who to contact 

  • Call 999 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger from domestic abuse or sexual violence.
  • Call 101 if you want to report something that's happened or if you want to seek advice. 
  • Call the Barnsley sexual abuse and crisis service for further support on 01226 320140.
  • Call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 500 2222.
  • Visit the BSARCS website for more help and support.

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is the general term we use to describe any kind of unwanted sexual act or activity. This includes rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, and many others.

  • 1 in 4 women will have experienced some form of sexual harm at some point in their lives.
  • 1 in 10 children have experienced sexual harm at some point in their lives.
  • 1 in 7 men will have experienced some form of sexual harm at some point in their lives.

Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Service (BSARCS)

BSARCS is an independent charity that has been offering specialist services to people whose lives have been affected by rape, sexual assault or any kind of sexual violence since 1987 across Barnsley.

BSARCS offer a variety of support, including support face to face and over the phone.

You can find out about the following on their website:

Barnsley is 'asking the question'

Ask the Question’s aim is to embed asking service users aged 18 and above about experiences of sexual harm. It support clients to 'break the silence' about their abuse.

BSARCS deliver training to frontline services across Barnsley with the aim of removing stigma. It helps them gain a greater understanding of sexual harm in the borough and makes sure people who want support are aware of their services and get the support they need.

Find out more about Ask the Question on the BSARCS website.